The 33-year-old hit .289 with eight doubles, 15 RBI and nine runs scored in 58 games last year while backing up Francisco Cervelli, and he made $1,225,000. Stewart served as the primary catcher for Pirates ace Gerrit Cole. Pittsburgh went 26-10 in the games Stewart started in 2015, including a 15-1 mark at PNC Park.

He had asked for $1.6 million and had been offered $1.35 million when proposed arbitration salaries were exchanged last week.